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Jimmy John's employees in Minneapolis are set to vote on whether to unionize. Issues include low wages, unpredictable shifts and sick leave, employees say. The Industrial Workers of the World union says that if it is successful with its organization efforts, it will attempt to unionize fast-food workers in other cities.

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Fast-food workers will soon vote on joining the Service Employees International Union after representatives from the Fight For 15 movement reached an initial agreement with union leaders. Workers initially would not pay dues, but the move would help workers negotiate better pay with franchises, according to SEIU's Mary Kay Henry says.

Restaurant workers in seven U.S. cities are striking this week, seeking $15-an-hour wages and the right to unionize. An open letter signed by more than 100 economists says the average age of a fast-food worker is 32, and that the average annual wage is $15,080, which is 19% below the federal poverty line for a family of three.

While Jimmy John's employees in Minneapolis voted not to join a union, employers should note that the issues leading to the organizational effort -- low wages, poor hours -- will continue to resonate with workers nationwide, Michael VanDervort writes. Employers should note that union organizers are becoming more savvy in recruiting workers, especially those who cannot be easily outsourced, he writes.

Employees at 10 Jimmy John's sandwich shops in Minneapolis are set to vote Friday on whether to unionize, potentially sparking a larger organizing drive among quickserve workers across the country. Union organizers typically shy away from trying to add quickservice workers to their ranks, as the employee base tends to be younger and have a high turnover rate.

Luxury hotels are offering a variety of perks to corporate guests, such as wall climbing and yoga classes. "These have been challenging times, but during these last two years, our programs have helped to attract corporate groups. They look for more team-building activities and to get a great value for their money," said Morgan Fukumoto, a spokeswoman for Stowe Mountain in Vermont.